Red tides sighted
Two red tides were sighted during the past week, the Inter-departmental Red Tide Working Group reported today (February 6).
On February 1, staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department spotted a red tide at Deep Water Bay Beach, Hong Kong Island. On February 2, staff of the Environmental Protection Department spotted another red tide at Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach. The red tide at Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach has dissipated, while the red tide at Deep Water Bay Beach still persists. No associated fish deaths have been reported as of today.
A spokesman for the working group said, "Both red tides were formed by Phaeocystis globosa, which is commonly found in Hong Kong waters. According to literature overseas, the algal species can produce foam that may affect fish."
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at the Lo Tik Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Po Toi and Cheung Sha Wan fish culture zones to monitor the situation closely and increase aeration where necessary.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The AFCD's proactive phytoplankton monitoring programme will continue to monitor red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.
The red tie. Photo source: reference image
New York ETO welcomes Year of the Horse in Atlanta
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) hosted its annual Spring Reception in Atlanta, the United States (US), on February 4 (Atlanta time) to welcome the Year of the Horse and reaffirm the strong and enduring ties between Hong Kong and Atlanta, as well as the state of Georgia.
In her welcome remarks, the Director of New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, highlighted the close economic, investment and trade relations between Hong Kong and the US. Hong Kong is home to around 1 550 American companies, while the value of Hong Kong's total exports to the US rose by 9.7 per cent in 2025. During the same period, the US recorded a substantial trade surplus of approximately US$26.15 billion for the year as of November 2025.
Noting that the Year of the Horse symbolises vitality and progress, Ms Ho said that she looked forward to deepening collaboration with Atlanta and the state of Georgia, especially in areas including fintech, logistics, aviation, education and cultural exchanges.
Cohosted by the New York ETO and the Hong Kong US Business Association of Atlanta, the reception was attended by nearly 300 guests from various sectors including academic, business, financial, innovative technology, think tanks, government and trade.
On February 5 (Atlanta time), Ms Ho met with Atlanta's institutional leaders to exchange views on the latest developments in Hong Kong and explore areas of mutual interest. They included the President and the Director of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta, Ms Rickey Bevington and Ms Jackie Davis respectively; as well as Senior Advisor on China, the Director of Individual Giving, and Senior Program Associate of the Carter Center, Mr Liu Yawei, Mr Curtis Kohlhaas, and Mr Nick Zeller respectively. The Deputy Director of New York ETO, Ms Angela Jong; and the Director (New York & Midwest) of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Curtis Louie, also joined the meetings.
New York ETO welcomes Year of the Horse in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
New York ETO welcomes Year of the Horse in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
New York ETO welcomes Year of the Horse in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
New York ETO welcomes Year of the Horse in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
New York ETO welcomes Year of the Horse in Atlanta Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
